Marcus Mosiah Garvey once said “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

It is incumbent upon us as young people to look back at the struggles that our ancestors endured. We must acknowledge those who have paved the way for us to follow, and laid the foundation upon which we build.

A plethora of different strands were woven into the political, economic, and social fabric of Bermuda in the first half of the twentieth century. These included the women’s suffrage movement, the universal adult suffrage movement and the prolonged quest for racial and economic equality.

Inextricably linked to the success in achieving those objectives was the need for progressive legislation designed to stop the long-standing discriminatory convention of restricting votes and opportunities for a large percentage of Bermudians.

Researching and learning the history of our island’s electoral system, the legislature, and the struggles fought on our behalf has been a humbling, and enlightening journey for all of the young people involved.

Generation Next will be preparing written submissions to present to the Government and Opposition, proposing a collaboration to ensure that the electoral history and the struggles that have been fought on behalf of the people of our island are highlighted and taught in our education system.

I must laud the tireless commitment and hard work of the young people involved in this initiative; their dedication and genuine desire to educate, involve, and motivate their peers has been truly inspiring.

Without the support, encouragement, and involvement of the young people this initiative could and would not have been a success. Bermuda, rest assured that there are young people ready, eager, and capable of carrying us into a future filled with promise and prosperity.

Generation Next is pleased to report that in the three weeks since the commencement of the Generation Next voter’s registration drive hundreds of young people have registered to vote and have learned about the history of the voting and electoral system.

We continue to hand out material regarding Bermuda’s voting history and parliamentary procedures. This literature is inclusive of two pieces entitled “The Evolution of Bermuda’s Franchise” and “How Bermuda’s Parliament Works” by Mr. James E Smith, former clerk to the Legislature. We have printed more Generation Next T-shirts that young people have proudly worn whilst canvassing the youth.

Whilst canvassing the youth we have discussed a range of topics which span from educating the community on public policy issues, identifying and developing resolutions to the concerns raised by young people [i.e. scholarships, the current education structure for the public education system, jobs etc.]; identifying why young people are not participating in the voting process & how to urge them to get involved, among other interesting topics.

It has become overwhelmingly important, that young people recognise both the importance of their vote and the opportunity to secure their future by voting. The political landscape in Bermuda has been controversial, and warrants further examination and dialogue.

An interesting observation made, is that the moves considered in the best interest for the future and sustainability of Bermuda, has had no consultation with the future of Bermuda – the young people.

It is vitally important that we not only feel a part of the process in shaping Bermuda, but that we contribute to the process; learning how to hold elected officials accountable, the right questions to ask, who to return when questions arise, and how to obtain materials to ensure that government is operating by both the spirit and letter of the law.

We vow to continue this initiative and it is our hope that through these efforts young voters will be motivated to get involved, to understand how the political process affects their everyday lives and inspire them to become the change they desire to see in our island home.

In tandem with the voters registration drive, Generation Next will be holding a public youth summit, an event where young Bermudians can identify their concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue which will address frequently asked questions such as “Does my vote count?” or “Why is it important that I am involved in the electoral process?”.

We will provide further details on our youth summit at the earliest opportunity. We’d like to take this time to thank the public for their continued support and encouragement!

The youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow! Generation Next!

If anyone desires a T-shirt or needs forms to complete timely delivery of both can be arranged. I can be contacted at eronhill@live.com or 518-6576.

Comments (42)

I would love to think that this were a genuine non-partisan youth initiative, however Mr. Hill has already shown time and time again that he is an official unofficial spokesperson for the PLP (a la Chris Famous). I fear that “Generation Next” will only be another puppet organization that allows the PLP to attack the Government at arms length.

Registering people to vote, youth or otherwise, is something I can get behind.

TO.. NOT EXACTLY: So what if Mr. Hill is affiliated with a particular political party. The information gained from an historical drive would be fantastic. Stop looking for a P.L.P. ASSOCIATION. Look at what knowledge youth would gain instead. Ridiculous, to say the least.

What is your problem exactly with him asking if it will be biased? I wouldn’t want my kids or your kids going to any event (political or otherwise) assuming one thing and then finding out getting bombarded with something else.

Truthhertz: Nothing MORE deceptive than the GOONS who are supposed to run this country but are too bent on their own gains, at the expense of ALL Bermudians. I am GLAD he dressed like that. It should show YOU exactly what is happening here. Too many KKKs living on a 22 mile island. They should ALL take their biased foolishness back to where they have come from. Hail to Bermuda’s Youth. I applaud you,Mr. Hill and your endeavours with OUR YOUTH. Superb!!!!!!!!

No doubt you applaud him, ignorance is bliss my friend. I’m sure you probably marched next to the woman with her protest sign of hate about white disease!!!. Meanwhile just a few years earlier some of those same marchers called for the firing of a woman because she made a comment during a union march that they didn’t like.

Racism is alive and well in Bermuda, and until all persons (especially politicians) treat others equally and learn to respect (not necessarily like or support) the opinion and rights of others, nothing will change.

@ Well then, fitting you mentioned that, as we live in a BIASED society. Keep it up young people those that paved the way before you had GREATER hardships that they overcame so you could enjoy the benefits of today. Dont worry about de haters, ya forefathers are smiling on you and giving you strength.

It is advantageous to know and try to understand history when it is used to benefit an individual moving forward in life without the need for atonement. History is important to everyone and should be read and understood by everyone so that mistakes are not repeated. Carrying history forward in any other way is extremely unproductive and damaging. It is true that if a person has a broad picture of all history then that person is more likely to succed in life if it stays where it should be within the mind.

The problem with history is that is usually recorded and reported from one persons view. For example talk to a BIU member during the Belco Riots, even those that burned and looted and you will hear of the struggle, the mission, the fight, and the victory! Talk to the police and workers that were on duty that were targeted and even murdered for doing nothing more than doing their job and you will hear a very different story?

Why are people afraid of are young black people learning are black history the 4 years that I went to secondary school their was no black history taught Some people say that history should stay in the past but if you know your history you have a better Understanding of your present this you can set a better future.

He is! He came back home during his break to get the voters registration drive started. He’s back in the UK now but has left a few young people in charge of the initiative. Don’t worry, he’ll be back soon. I’ll tell him you’re proud of him

If he was a young white person he would have been asked to be fired, threatened, and there would have been protests asking for his head on a plate if he wore a KKK uniform or even a Panthers costume during Halloween with the words PLP on it.

In what context do you mean? For one there would most likely be very little postive comment. White people are continually generalized and for the most part demonized on the island! But hey that’s the norm, right? Something about two wrongs never making a right comes to mind! Smh

The biggest threat to the white society is a young Black person that knows their History and exposes the evil of the past and educates their peers. More dangerous then the brain damaged thugs that are a menace to society.

I applaud both of you. Confine to be the strength you are. How insensitive it is is for those making these comments as if this history does not matter. The nerve. Keep fighting, keep winning. This is import. This matters and you are the legacy of Bermuda ..